IRVINE, Calif. - Junior
Kaia Schmidt has been named the Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week the conference office announced Tuesday afternoon.
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Schmidt was recognized after setting a school and stadium record in the steeplechase at the Triton Invitational last Friday. Schmidt won her second steeple race of the year in a 17-second personal-best 10:16.88. Her PR topped UC Irvine's previous standard of 10:20.11 which was established by Hannah Chau in 2023. Schmidt also broke an 18-year-old Triton Track & Field Stadium record of 10:19.67.
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Schmidt ranks first in the Big West by 16 seconds, 17th in the West Region, and 26th in all of NCAA Division I in the steeplechase this season. This is her first career Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week honor.
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The Anteaters are back in action this week at the Bryan Clay Multis (April 9-10) and at the Challenge Cup (April 10).
